Tips for Tenants
Here are a few things you can do to ensure that you get off to a good start, and make things easier throughout the tenancy.
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Get references from previous landlords, and other reputable sources. Some landlords will allow pets. It may sound a little strange, but it can also be a good idea to have references for your pet.
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If required, arrange a new telephone listing (dial 123) and advise the landlord or property manager of the new number.
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Contact your preferred power supplier to ensure a continuous power supply.
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Read the water meter or if on tank water, check the level in the tank, and make a note on your inspection report. Check for dripping taps or other leaks.
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It is important to look the home over critically before the tenancy starts. Complete an inspection report (with the landlord or property manager), and ensure your copy is signed off by the landlord. Make sure the property manager also has a copy.
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We recommend that you have insurance for your contents. It is a good idea to include public liability cover.
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To minimise condensation and mildew, please remember to ventilate the home regularly, particularly in “wet” areas such as bathrooms and laundry.
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Keep the home and grounds clean, neat and tidy, and free from rubbish. Your landlord or property manager will be able to advise you on rubbish collections in the area, and if needed, will be able to recommend lawn mowing contractors and gardeners.
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Make sure you let the landlord know of any maintenance issues or breakages so they can be remedied promptly.
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Your bond must be lodged with Tenancy Services Trust account. You should receive a receipt and bond number direct from them. If you have not received this within 4 weeks please let your property manager know straight away.
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If you have any concerns about your tenancy, your property manager will be pleased to help. Alternatively, you can contact Tenancy Services direct by telephone on 0800 737 666, or access their website (see link on this page)
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Remember that most landlords want much the same thing as tenants. That is, a hassle-free tenancy. Both have a role to play, and your property manager’s job is to help both parties to play their part.
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If you’ve got a problem, don’t be shy about letting your Harcourts property manager know straight away. From experience we know that most problems, if addressed early, can be sorted out.
For more information or for personal service, please click here to contact us.
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Tips for Landlords
What most residential landlords want in a tenant is very simple. Someone who will look after your property, get on with the neighbours, and pay the rent on time.
To attract and keep the right people, it is important for landlords to understand that it is a two-way relationship. If the tenant does their bit, it is equally important that you do yours, which will include;
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Keeping the property well maintained and presented
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Ensuring everything works as it should
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Receipting and lodging bond monies with Tenancy Services
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Charging a fair market rental
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Keeping full and accurate records of rental receipts and payments
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Ensuring the home is “safe and sanitary” and meets building health and safety requirements
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Respecting the tenant’s rights and quiet enjoyment of the property
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Responding promptly to reasonable requests for maintenance or repairs
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Reacting quickly and appropriately to any default or breaches of the Tenancy Agreement
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Attending Tenancy Tribunal hearings where necessary
Owning investment property is a well established and very productive investment strategy, but selection and management of tenancies can be a potential minefield. Get it right, and it’s an easy ride. Get it wrong, and you can be faced with costly and long-winded processes to regain possession, and recover unpaid rents.
Sadly, we are often approached to sort out messes faced by landlords, many of which could have been avoided if proper systems and processes had been in place, and the appropriate action taken early.
Our best advice is that If you are new to landlording, do your homework, and consider the risks. Consider also the benefits of professional property management. While nobody can guarantee to eliminate all risk, it can be dramatically reduced if proper processes and systems are in place and monitored carefully.
Your Harcourts property manager will be fully familiar with the requirements of the Residential Tenancies Act, and the Tenancy Tribunal, and has well proven management systems at their disposal.
For more information or for personal service, please click here to contact us.
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Management Services
Anyone managing property should ideally have a comprehensive understanding of the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act, and the Tenancy Tribunal. They must also have systems and procedures in place to ensure the whole process runs smoothly, and breaches or arrears are dealt with immediately and efficiently
At Harcourts, we are full time professional property management specialists. We have the systems in place to avoid the costly mistakes often made by owners, and we know that our obligation is to ensure the best possible return on your investment. In doing so, we must take into account current legislation, and the rights and obligations of both tenant and landlord.
While no-one can give you a cast iron guarantee to eliminate all risk, it can be reduced dramatically when proper management techniques are applied and monitored carefully. Management costs are small when compared to the potential costs involved in delinquent tenancies, and better still, they are tax deductible.
We have the latest software, experienced property managers, and comprehensive systems in place to ensure the best possible outcome. Here are just some of the things we will do for you:
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Listen to ensure we understand your needs
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Communicate with you regularly
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Thoroughly qualify and reference check prospective tenants
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Introduce the tenant for approval if requested
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Maintain contact to identify potential difficulties before they become problems
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Complete tenancy agreements
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Collect and lodge bonds
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Arrange automatic payments
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Monitor Rental collections, immediately pursue arrears should they arise
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Account promptly for monies received, with full details
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Provide regular inspections, with additional inspections available by arrangement
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Advise on and attend to maintenance
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Pay rates insurances and other regular charges
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Provide professional representation for landlords in tenancy matters
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Ensure compliance with legislative requirements
For more information or for personal service, please click here to contact us.
Click here to Download Management Services Document
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